Metro East Sun

HSHS Home Care is organizing its annual "Cram the Car" food drive this February, coinciding with National Canned Food Month. The initiative aims to support local organizations addressing food insecurity.

Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, expressed her enthusiasm for the event: “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community. It’s a privilege to deliver their generous donations. Let’s see how many cars we can fill!”

The organization has partnered with HSHS hospitals in Southern Illinois to facilitate community contributions of specific items or monetary donations on designated dates:

- At HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland on March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., donors are encouraged to bring "sweet" nonperishable food items and hygiene products. These donations will benefit the Highland Area Christian Services Ministry (HACSM) food pantry.

- On March 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese will accept nonperishable food items such as boxed meals and canned goods for BCMW Community Services' Breese location.

- Donations at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville on March 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will focus on prepackaged foods that are easy to open and prepare, supporting the Bond County Weekend Backpack Program.

- Finally, on March 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon will collect nonperishable food items benefiting the Catholic Urban Program food pantry.

Donors are reminded to verify expiration dates before contributing.

Further information is available on HSHS Home Care's Cram the Car website or by contacting Valerie Engelbart at 217-685-0702 or [email protected].

HSHS Home Care provides various in-home services including therapy, wound care, cardiac rehabilitation, stroke care, pain management, hospice and palliative care among others. The organization holds accreditation from The Joint Commission which evaluates healthcare entities worldwide for quality and safety standards.